On March 12, we announced a change. CTPAA was changing – now to be called the Association of Cable Communicators (ACC). This is more than a new name. It reflects the transformation that is occurring in our industry and the increasing importance of communications. The extensive range of telecommunications services available to customers today creates a challenging competitive landscape for programmers, cable operators and industry suppliers. As a result, effective communications has never been more important.

As the communicators for the cable industry, we must continue to become better at what we do. And, in order to do so, this new organization will challenge you to "Get Connected."

Connect with each other. The Association has more than 700 members – many of whom are very willing to share ideas of what has worked in their communications programs or act as a sounding board for your ideas.

Connect with opportunities. Through ACC, you can participate in regional networking and educational programs, serve on various committees within the organization, attend our annual conference, FORUM, or, better yet, you can judge the Beacon Awards® and see dozens of "great ideas" for your communications programs.

Connect electronically. Take advantage of the Members-Only pages on the ACC home page, where you can find online the membership directory, a collection of best practices, and project summaries from past Beacon Award Finalists. Learn how others are coping with challenges and reach out to your fellow members to exchange ideas.

Finally, you must get connected with your customers. Whether we call them subscribers or consumers, you need to know what they're thinking, what services they want, what they like and dislike, and how to communicate clearly with them. Use ACC as part of your personal development toolkit that can help you connect with your customers more effectively. If we communicate the value of cable services and programming, simplify access to those services, and let them know we do care about them, we'll help minimize our challenges in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

So, let's all get connected. Our name change to ACC hasn't changed our primary mission: Develop and promote cable communications excellence through professional development to help achieve industry and corporate goals. The better connected we are, the better equipped we are to fulfill that mission.

I and all the ACC board members are committed to supporting the goals of this organization and your personal development goals. Get connected with us as well!

Best regards,

Peggy Ballard

ACC President
Vice President, Strategic Communications
Scientific Atlanta, A Cisco Company